Things to Do in Latvia in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Latvia
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Christmas markets in Riga's Old Town create magical atmosphere with mulled wine, handmade crafts, and traditional Latvian treats like piparkūkas (gingerbread) - markets run December 1-January 7
- Shortest crowds at major attractions - Rundāle Palace and Riga's Art Nouveau district are nearly empty, perfect for photography without tourists in frame
- Winter solstice celebrations on December 21st showcase authentic Latvian culture with candlelit processions and traditional Ziemas saulgriežu rituals in rural areas
- Dramatic Baltic Sea winter landscapes at Jūrmala beach with frozen shorelines and snow-covered pine forests - temperatures create unique ice formations along the coast
Considerations
- Brutal daylight hours - sunrise at 8:45am, sunset at 3:45pm gives only 7 hours of natural light for sightseeing and outdoor activities
- Unpredictable weather swings from -15°C (5°F) to +3°C (37°F) within days, making packing decisions difficult and outdoor plans unreliable
- Many coastal attractions and some rural museums close for winter season, limiting options outside Riga city center
Best Activities in December
Riga Old Town Winter Walking Tours
December transforms Riga's UNESCO World Heritage Old Town into a winter wonderland. Snow-dusted cobblestones, medieval architecture lit by Christmas lights, and nearly empty streets create perfect photography conditions. The Dome Cathedral's acoustics are exceptional during December organ concerts. Cold weather means fewer crowds at House of Blackheads and St. Peter's Church tower viewpoint.
Traditional Latvian Sauna Experiences
December's subzero temperatures make authentic Latvian pirts (saunas) essential cultural experiences. Traditional saunas include birch branch beatings and cold plunges - perfect contrast to winter weather. Many saunas offer traditional Latvian treatments and local honey scrubs. Rural saunas provide authentic experiences away from tourist areas.
Rundāle Palace Winter Visits
December visits to Rundāle Palace mean no crowds and special winter exhibitions. The baroque palace's heated interior provides warmth while exploring 18th-century ducal apartments. Snow-covered formal gardens create stunning winter scenes. Special Christmas decorations showcase how 18th-century nobility celebrated holidays.
Latvian Christmas Market Food Tours
December food tours focus on seasonal specialties unavailable other times. Try silke zem kažoka (layered herring salad), traditional Christmas breads, and local honey wines. Riga's Central Market (largest in Europe) offers heated indoor sections with winter comfort foods. Christmas markets serve hot drinks essential for warmth.
Gauja National Park Winter Activities
December transforms Gauja National Park into winter sports territory. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking offer authentic Latvian outdoor experiences. Sigulda's medieval castles look spectacular covered in snow. Ice climbing may be possible at Gauja River valleys depending on conditions.
Traditional Craft Workshops
December's indoor weather makes craft workshops perfect activities. Learn traditional Latvian mittens knitting, amber jewelry making, or woodcarving. Many workshops connect to Christmas market preparations. Rural craft centers offer authentic experiences with local artisans using centuries-old techniques.
December Events & Festivals
Riga Christmas Market
Latvia's largest Christmas market transforms Doma Square with over 40 wooden stalls selling handmade crafts, traditional foods, and local amber jewelry. Features daily concerts and traditional Latvian Christmas performances. The market's mulled wine (karstvīns) recipe dates back centuries.
Winter Solstice Celebrations (Ziemas saulgrieži)
Ancient Latvian winter solstice traditions practiced in rural areas with candlelit processions, traditional singing, and ritual fire ceremonies. Some celebrations open to visitors, offering authentic cultural experiences unavailable to summer tourists.
New Year's Eve Fireworks at Daugava River
Riga's main New Year celebration centers on Daugava River with fireworks, outdoor concerts, and traditional Latvian folk performances. Despite cold temperatures, locals gather for midnight festivities with hot drinks and warming fires.